Practicing Mindfulness: An Introduction to Meditation Course

In recent decades, science has confirmed that meditation, when correctly practiced, offers lasting benefits for your physical, mental, and emotional health. Gain a clear understanding of the essence of meditation--and how best to practice it--in 24 lessons filled with guided exercises, principles and techniques, and more.

This episode introduces the practice of meditation as a tool for developing mindfulness. Here, distinguish the true nature of mindfulness meditation from common preconceptions about it, revealing its capacity to…

In approaching meditation, consider the interconnections of ethical behavior with the development of mindfulness and the shaping of personal character. Drawing from the Buddha's teachings, explore five precepts of behavior…

Building on your work with mindfulness practice, learn another technique that augments and supports meditation. The body scan directs focused attention to different areas of the body, promoting deeper sensory…

Walking meditation, another core element of the mindfulness tradition, allows you to practice mindfulness wherever and whenever you go. Learn walking meditation in detail, including beneficial conditions for practice, the…

When approached with mindfulness, eating offers heightened awareness and undiscovered depth of experience. This episode takes you on a rich exploration of mindful eating, beginning with an eating meditation, using…

As a familiar and potentially hazardous activity, driving provides a perfect laboratory for practicing mindfulness. Assess your own approach to driving and bring the principles of meditation to bear on…

Now investigate dukkha, the insatiable quality of human experience: seen in our endless pursuit of the symbols of well-being and achievement and avoidance of unwanted experience. Finally, contemplate not-self: penetrating…

Finding compassion for ourselves is greatly challenging for many of us. Consider the complex of beliefs, attitudes, and conditioning that underlie this; in particular, the thorny phenomenon of perfectionism. Learn…

Finally, consider various possibilities for continuing your practice through the methods you've learned, further study, and retreats. Professor Muesse concludes with reflections on his own path and on the very…

Related videos

As a familiar and potentially hazardous activity, driving provides a perfect laboratory for practicing mindfulness. Assess your own approach to driving and bring the principles of meditation to bear on the road; in particular, giving focused attention to the present moment, to your sensory experience and emotions.

In approaching meditation, consider the interconnections of ethical behavior with the development of mindfulness and the shaping of personal character. Drawing from the Buddha's teachings, explore five precepts of behavior that are conducive to the greatest benefits of meditation practice, based in the fundamental principle of not harming others or…

There's a lot of misunderstanding about meditation out there. Learn how to leverage mindfulness as a tool and a practice. From mindful breathing to mindful eating to loving-kindness meditation, find out why being mindful can help you build a more positive relationship with stress.

Walking meditation, another core element of the mindfulness tradition, allows you to practice mindfulness wherever and whenever you go. Learn walking meditation in detail, including beneficial conditions for practice, the method of mindful walking, where to focus your attention, and advanced variations on the practice.

This episode introduces the practice of meditation as a tool for developing mindfulness. Here, distinguish the true nature of mindfulness meditation from common preconceptions about it, revealing its capacity to instill a deeper connection to reality, as well as cultivating a wisdom based in empathy and compassion.

Building on your work with mindfulness practice, learn another technique that augments and supports meditation. The body scan directs focused attention to different areas of the body, promoting deeper sensory awareness, relaxation, and concentration. With Professor Muesse's guidance, experience a 20-minute body scan meditation, a fundamental practice of self-compassion.

Now learn about the most beneficial physical conditions for your meditation. First, consider the time of day and the physical setting that will best serve your practice. Then, study the most effective sitting postures on the floor, cushions, or chair and the optimum alignment of the body for mindfulness meditation.

The mindfulness tradition offers an additional practice that is highly effective in revealing and cultivating compassion. With Professor Muesse's guidance, experience metta meditation, a focused contemplation wishing well-being and peace for others. See how this practice works to relinquish alienation and hostility and to deepen solidarity with all humanity.

Mindfulness meditation is based in the use of an anchor or focus of attention, allowing the mind to calm itself. Using your breathing as the focus, learn in detail about the fundamental elements of sitting meditation, focusing attention on the breath and returning to it when the mind strays, without…

Mindfulness--living in the present moment--can have a dramatic impact on your energy levels and how you feel about the world around you. Dr. Bonura helps you increase your sense of inner awareness with a series of breathing and meditation exercises. Discover where you spend your energy--and where your energy is…

Here, explore difficulties often encountered in meditation and ways of working with them that are also useful in the larger context of living. Consider physical discomfort and the specific use of mindfulness itself in working through it. Look also at ways to strengthen concentration and to counter frustration and discouragement.

When approached with mindfulness, eating offers heightened awareness and undiscovered depth of experience. This episode takes you on a rich exploration of mindful eating, beginning with an eating meditation, using all five senses. Then contemplate mindful eating in daily life and detailed suggestions for sharing a fully mindful meal with…